Projects done, and in progress--

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Two weeks since I posted, and it seems like yesterday! I've managed to get a couple of projects done in the meantime. This set of postcards is for a swap called "Fans" for Artsnthemail.

Fiber Art Traders is having a swap called "4 Elements" (earth, wind, fire, water) done in plus-size inchies (1.5" square.) These are my sets; the water squares have small seashells attached, the wind squares have leaves that move, the earth squares have small sequin flowers, and the fire squares have shiny fibers sewn across them.



One of my groups was discussing a method of cutting identical squares from a busy fabric and sewing them into a four patch so that they resemble a kaleidoscope. This is the fabric I decided to use to try the technique.


I cut the fabric into 4 identical repeats of the design, and stacked them up carefully. I then cut the stack into 4-1/2" squares so that there are now four identical squares of each that will get twisted around 1/4 turn and sewn together into blocks:


Here are four of the resulting blocks--maybe this makes the idea more clear:


I still have to cut some sashing and make them up into some small quilts. I'll show more photos when that gets done.


Fiber Art Traders also has a swap going of miniature party hats. This is one that I'm still working on; I covered it with scraps of fabric left over from the Fan postcards shown above. I'm not real thrilled with the fiber tassel and the strap, so I'm re-thinking those.



and this is one that I have finished, modeled reluctantly by Copper:


In other news, my older son's deployment to Iraq has been postponed until June. It can be postponed indefinitely as far as I am concerned! I will be voting for whichever presidential candidate that I feel will get us out of Iraq the soonest.

Our elderly family member has had tests done to determine if there is any brain change indicative of dementia. We have not gotten any results yet, but the cognitive tests were very revealing of the degree of memory impairment already involved. This situation is extremely difficult for all concerned. I am ready to let the situation take its course, but that may not be possible. It would be so easy to turn a blind eye to the problem. But the responsibility is ours to bear, and bear it we will.

On a brighter note, I am due to be elected this week to a new position in Eastern Star, and have been studying hard. I am excited about changing positions, although I am not ambitious enough to want any position more difficult next year. I am not trying to work my way up, in other words. Just holding a position is enough for me.